Kabul - The Afghan military rescued two foreigners who were kidnapped almost a month ago in an operation in western Herat province, officials said on Sunday.

"They were freed early this morning," Zemarai Bashary interior ministry spokesman confirmed, but did not give any details.

An intelligence official, who did not want to be named, said that the abducted men were freed in an operation by Afghan security forces in Adraskan district of the province.

The leader of the gang that kidnapped the men was also arrested by the Afghan forces, with information provided by other gang members who were arrested previously, the official said.

Sayed Ebrar Hashimi, head of logistic company that had employed the two foreign nationals said, "We received both workers from Afghan security forces. The are in good health."

He said that the workers would be send to their countries soon.

An Indian engineer, Mohammad Naeem, and Nepalese national K. B. Gurung were kidnapped as they traveled from Herat city to Adraskan district on April 21.

Criminal gangs and other armed groups widely active in rural areas, have been behind some kidnappings for ransom, while the Taliban has also been blamed for many abductions since 2002. (dpa)